Honoring Grandma Shirley: Support Her Funeral

With heavy hearts, we share the news that our beloved Grandma Shirley peacefully passed away today, surrounded by her loving family. She was a radiant light in the lives of so many, a true blessing to all who knew her. Her warmth and kindness touched countless hearts, and her absence will be deeply felt.

A true animal lover and an avid gardener, Grandma Shirley had a playful spirit; in her younger days, she could often be found joyfully chasing armadillos around in Florida. Her journey eventually led her to Arizona, where she chose to be close to her daughter Angie and her son-in-law Guy Mikkelsen. It was a new beginning for her. Her first granddaughter Tiara, traveled across the country with them to embark on this adventure. In time, her family grew to include a cherished grandson, Ben, and granddaughter, Katie, who brought her immense joy. Tiara was later married to Paul Korpalski who Shirley loved immensely and was able to physically attend the wedding. A few years later she was blessed with her first and only great grandson Mason. One day he will be told stories of Shirley’s Harley Davison days and why he is never allowed to own a motorcycle. Then the blessing of her granddaughter Katie’s marriage to Carlos Mejia arrived. While she was too ill to attend the wedding she was able to FaceTime and send all of her love. Shirley loved bear hugs from Carlos and always looked forward to them. The love she had for Katie that she had can’t even be put into words.

Throughout her life, Grandma Shirley remained active in her community, generously giving her time and love until her health no longer allowed. She found great joy at the Senior Center, where she cherished her time volunteering at the thrift store. She also gave countless hours of her time at the food bank helping so many in need. One of her favorite pastimes was hunting for treasures at yard sales with her son-in-law, Guy, creating memories that will last forever. Her best friend, Sheila, was a constant source of support and love, brightening her days until the very end.

For over 30 years, Grandma Shirley called St. Agnes apartments her home, experiencing the bittersweet journey of life alongside many friends, some of whom she has sadly lost. Yet, her compassion and loving spirit always shone through, creating deep bonds with her daughter Angie and her two sons, Brian and Kenny. Brian, especially, feels the weight of this loss, as he hasn’t been able to see her in decades, and today, he faced the heartbreaking reality of one last phone call.

In her younger years, Grandma Shirley was a free spirit who loved riding her Harley—she truly was a remarkable woman. As we reflect on her life, we find comfort in knowing that she is now free from pain and soaring high above us.

We are organizing funds to cover her funeral services and to ensure that her daughter Angie has the time she needs to grieve and heal. Thank you for your love and support during this difficult time.

Funds will be used for her celebration of life. Any leftover funds will go directly to Angie to help support her through this time. She Has taken so much time off work and the last thing she needs to think about right now is how she will pay for any bills.